3 things to know about the Delta variant of COVID-19

3 things to know

    1.    The Delta variant of COVID-19 is extremely dangerous


Delta is one of several widely circulating variants of the virus that causes COVID-19. The longer the coronavirus spreads, the more new variants of concern will emerge, prolonging the pandemic for all of us. 

What makes Delta different is that it’s much more contagious than the original virus. Experts say it’s extremely transmissible, which is why it’s spreading dangerously fast. 

People who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 are the most vulnerable. Getting vaccinated protects us from becoming severely ill and dying from the disease caused by the coronavirus. 

    2.    Delta is spreading around the world


In the US, the Delta variant now accounts for more than 93% of COVID-19 cases. It’s also present and spreading in more than 130 other countries around the world, including India, South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo. 

In some of the countries where Doctors Without Borders works, our teams are seeing the impact firsthand. More people are getting sick and dying, and hospital systems are being pushed to the brink of collapse. 

We know from past experience that overwhelmed health systems can lead to more people dying of even easily treatable health issues when they can’t access basic care. 

    3.    COVID-19 vaccines are the best way to protect ourselves


COVID vaccines still work against the Delta variant. As the Delta variant spreads, COVID vaccines remain our best tool to fight this virus. 

But lifesaving vaccines are out of reach for most of the world. 98% of people in low-income countries have had no access to the vaccines. This is wrong, and it’s dangerous. Because no one is safe against COVID-19 and all its variants until we are all protected.

Here's how you can help:

1.    Get vaccinated!
    

2.    Raise your voice to demand global vaccine equity


Take action at
DoctorsWithoutBorders.org/end-pandemic-for-all